Abstract

Syntheses of two series of novel 1-aza-1,3-dienes bearing chiral substituents on nitrogen [PhCH = CHCH = NCH(R)Ph (R = Et, Pr(i) and Bu(t)) and PhCH = CHCH = NCH(R)Me (R = Et, Pr(i) and Bu(t)] are described and the stereochemical outcome of their complexation reactions with Fe2(CO)9 reported. Diastereoisomeric ratios of 93:7 and 94:6 are observed on complexation of PhCH = CHCH = NCH(Bu(t))Ph 10 and PhCH = CHCH = NCH(Bu(t))Me 19 respectively. The structures of the major diastereoisomers of 10 and 19 have been determined by NOE measurements.